Hollow

West Virginia University’s School of Journalism invited me to come to campus yesterday and screen “Tales of an AP Journalist” at a George Esper memorial event. When I started the film in April of 2011, I never thought George would not be around to see the final product. However, before he passed away in February he had seen every cut and bragged about how much he loved it. People who had known George for years said that they learned things about him last night that they never knew before. 

It was so great to see familiar faces and so many people come out for the screening. By the time credits rolled, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room…a true testament to Esper’s impact on everyone. The only complaint was, “It needs to be longer!” 

Before heading back up to Boston today, Christa Vincent interviewed me about HOLLOW and my experience at the J-School (I graduated 4 years ago). Here are some screenshots from the shoot by the very talented photographer and videographer, Alex Wilson.

Our Kickstarter backers who chose the postcard reward can look forward to receiving one within the next few weeks! We just got the shipment in today :)

Next Wednesday, I am wrapping up production here in McDowell. Then I’m making the hike back up to Boston for post-production with the team!

We’re very excited to move onto the next phase of production for “Hollow” but saying goodbye (for now) to this awesome community is very hard. We know that just because “production” is ending doesn’t mean our connections with the community will end. This past week I have been training the five community video coordinators who will be in charge of distributing cameras and training new residents while we are away. We have spread the cameras all across the county to insure that the tools are accessible to everyone. 

Thanks for your continued support!

Elaine

P.S. The deadline for our SXSW panel picker has been extended to September 3. If you haven’t already, please take the time to vote and feel free to share your thoughts on why you support this participatory documentary with the judges! We have had great response already thanks to the residents here in McDowell.

Mary McKinney’s drawings of her “future McDowell.” Really inspiring documents here, folks. This is just a few examples of ideas for Keystone and Landgraff out of a whole package she gave me. I dare anyone to tell me the people of McDowell don’t have ideas for improving their communities. It’s time we take these ideas to those in power and make things happen in the coalfields.

@hollowthefilm’s mascot -The Keez- celebrating our recent support by @TribecaFilmIns in Welch, West Virginia!

Read about the New Media fund on TFI, IndieWire, Variety and RealScreen.

Workshop 3 participants! These folks are working toward a more positive future for McDowell County.

(Left to Right back row) Shawn Penwarden, Tom Acosta, Brenda Goodson, Ron Serino, Mary McKinney, Gilbert Nash, Alan Johnston, Linda McKinney. (Left to Right front row) Michelle Miller, Matthew Goodson, Megan Bowers, Patricia Blevins, Renee Bolden, Elaine McMillion.

Ron Serino at the “stairsteps” near Ashland, W.Va. This former strip mine has become a popular place for ATV-riders on the weekend. However, ATV fatalities continue to increase as the Northfork Volunteer Fire Department struggles to gain access and promptly evacuate the injured without a UTV. They have been washing four-wheelers for $3 each to raise money to purchase a UTV. The land (above) is a reclaimed mine and is still owned by the coal company who turns a blind eye to the drug use, alcohol abuse and “chaos” that occurs here on the weekends. Ron said he doubts they will ever pay attention unless there is a lawsuit filed against them. In the past, Ron and his fellow firefighters have carried injured riders out for miles to save their lives. This past Saturday, a rider died just yards from here. Want to help? email elaine@hollowthefilm.com